UTA alum to run TV for Nicholas Sparks Prods.

Elise Henderson to oversee development, novel adaptations

Elise Henderson is exiting UTA to run the television division of Nicholas Sparks Prods.

Best-selling novelist Sparks recently launched the film and TV company with Theresa Park, his publishing agent and creative partner. The shingle has a first-look deal with Warner Horizon Television.

“Her energy, skills and wide-ranging industry relationships are already yielding incredible opportunities for (Sparks Prods.) in the world of television,” Sparks said in announcing Henderson’s hire.

Henderson joined the lit department of UTA in 2009 after serving as a TV agent at WMA. UTA reps Sparks.

Sparks’ novels have been snapped up by Hollywood for film adaptations in recent years. In the works is the Lasse Hallstrom-directed adaptation of “Safe Haven.” Sparks and Park are developing “The Best of Me” at Warner Bros. with Denise DiNovi producing. Recent releases include “The Lucky One,” “Dear John” and “The Notebook.”